Graeme Willgress

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Story

Updated on Jul 3rd 2011 at 9:06 PM from the JustGiving API

Tonight, I'm sitting in my tent just North of Inverness. 18 months ago I could only dream this, not do it, but one step lead to another and this week I'll pads through John o Groats before starting the long journey home.
Its been an amazing journey and you can see updated on www.Facebook.com/Ride2Recovery or follow my blog on www.graemewillgress.com for weekly updates as I pass through the Highlands and Islands.

Updated on May 16th 2011 at 2:10 PM from the JustGiving API

Well folks, I'm sat by my tent having a lazy afternoon on the downs above Swanage. The 500 miles of the South West are behind me now with it's amazing scenery and gnarly hills!!
For the next week or so I'll be riding the South Coast, visiting a few friends on the way.
The weather has been kind to date, long may it continue
Graeme :-)

Updated on May 2nd 2011 at 8:29 PM from the JustGiving API

First day over. All those emotions at leaving and a tough ride. Brill :-)

Updated on May 1st 2011 at 4:43 PM from the JustGiving API

So, here I am, packing up ready to leave tomorrow. I'm feeling good as I finalise everything and want to thank all those who have donated so far. Happy May day to you all, and a brilliant summer too.

Also now Tweeting: @graemewillgress and a new Facebook page: Round Britain Ride2Recovery The final 10 days prior to leaving on May 2nd and I've been so busy. Sorting out sponsors, social media, distributing stuff to various supporters and on Saturday, 23/4 my final event. I'm running a Coffee/cake Morning with prizes to be won, including a Beautifully decorated cake by a friend, A raffle of various items on the day.You can talk to me and see the bike and trailer/box I'll be using too as well as picking up some Sustrans leaflets etc. If you'd rather, you can chill out in the sun (hopefully)with a drink and something yummy!! The venue is Hatherleigh Old Schools, West Devon at 0930-1200noon. All the equipement is now here and I'm ready to rumble, I can't wait. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!!

Why 'Ride 2 Recovery? Well, five years ago, I suffered a major breakdown, losing all I had in the process, including my teaching career. Since then I have struggled to come to terms with this and the fact that I may have Bi-polar disorder, it's certainly a very dibilitating illness. Very slowly, this is changing, and the myriad of life changes I have made are beginning to take effect. Exercise, and cycling in particular, are a big part of this. I have always done lots between bouts of illness, but this is now part of managing and progressing my life. Mental health is still an area of great fear and stigma, but it needn't be. Although still unable to work, I have begun to do some voluntary work as a 'Volunteer Ranger' for Sustrans

So, I have a plan (gulp!) for what will be the biggest adventure of my life. That is why I am starting early, to give myself plenty of time to prepare myself for what lies ahed. I want to raise as much as possible for Sustrans and enjoy the journey around this lovely island we all share. Please visit my Facebook page and leave comments,email me or wave if you see a funny looking bike pulling a trailer because it's probably me.

The background of my page will change colour as the total rises. Your donation may make that change happen. Keep an eye on it!

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Thank you for your support. Keep up to date with how it's all going whether up or down at my page on 'blogger'

Gallery 6

Raising money for

Sustrans is the charity that's enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
It's time we all started making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk

Donations 37

I read about your ride when I was in Devon earlier this year on a cycling trip. Great cause, many congratulations.

Donation by Jon Howard on
30/10/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Congratulations to finishing the ride. Was inspiring to meet you at North Morte Farm Campsite, and hear about the journey and bike.

Donation by Jonathan and Anne on
16/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Well done, what an acheivement, I am sure you have inspired many a cyclist along the way - now get writing that book : )

Donation by Anthony & Caroline Munn on
11/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Impressive acheivement Graeme

Donation by chris mallinson, Map Marketing on
08/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Well done!

Donation by Anonymous on
04/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

So good to meet you in Newgale. It was a pleasure to spend time with you. Good luck with your next adventure! Cein & Carlos x

Donation by Ceinwen Rees on
01/09/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

It was nice meeting you on Mull. Good to see someone doing a good job while riding a Santos. We wish you all the best for the rest of your journey.

Donation by Paul Hoogerwerf on
15/08/11

£25.00

Keep up the good (hard) work!
Cheers, Jon & Sharon

Donation by Jon Leyland on
08/08/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Great stuff Graeme - from one of the rangers you met near Prestwick

Donation by Toby Churchill on
25/07/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Hope the ride's going well. I'm another one of the people you met in Craster then Berwick. Best of luck.

Donation by Helen Eden on
17/07/11

All the best of luck with your ride Graeme. It was lovely to meet you in Craster and then again in Berwick. An incredible and inspirational challenge

Donation by Steven Kipping on
27/06/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

All the best Graeme - EEC and HR staff.

Donation by Naomi Ecroyd on
21/05/11

£16.00

Good luck Graeme .. keep the wheels turning !! Andy + Kate

Donation by Andrew Dodd on
08/05/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Hope your enjoying it Graeme. All the best. Sean and Andrea

Donation by Sean Staines on
06/05/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Check the/any nuts in the trailer hitch daily or more often!
And enjoy!

Donation by Charles on
04/05/11

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

GOOD LUCK FROM SARAH & ABI

Donation by sarah dellar on
03/05/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

May the winds be always behind you. Have fun Graeme- shout if you need any assistance. Happy to travel to help?!
Best wishes Chilterncyclist.

Donation by Helen Biggerstaff on
02/05/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Good luck from Jill and John. Nice to see you looking well.

Donation by Jill Wibrow on
01/05/11

£20.00

Good luck, Graeme. I hope those legs are in fine fettle! Cheers. Alan.

Donation by Alan Toogood on
25/04/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Good luck and best wishes from all at Tom's Field.
Keep in touch as you progress on the journey
Sarah

Donation by sarah wootton on
21/04/11

£25.00

Donation by Christopher Burgess on
26/03/11

£15.00

+ £4.23 Gift Aid

Enjoy!

Donation by Joanna at No.6 on
03/03/11

£15.00

Good luck Graeme!!

Donation by Keith Hayward on
02/03/11

£20.00

Ride smooth and easy Graeme. Enjoy the adventure and we are all pulling for you back here across the pond.

Donation by Nick Behr on
25/02/11

£20.00

Have you got a route and a rough timetable? Might come along and annoy you :o)